Friedman's Fables (with Booklet)

by Friedman, Edwin H.

• ISBN13: 9780898624403
• ISBN10: 0898624401
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1990-09-28
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

Edwin H. Friedman has woven 24 illustrative tales that offer fresh perspectives on familiar human foibles and reflect the author's humor, pathos, and understanding. Friedman takes on resistance and other "demons" to show that neither insight, nor encouragement, nor intimidation can in themselves motivate an unmotivated person to change. These tales playfully demonstrate that new ideas, new questions, and imagination, more than accepted wisdom, provide each of us with the keys to overcoming stubborn emotional barriers and facilitating real change both in ourselves and others. Thought-provoking discussion questions for each fable are included. Sure to intrigue and inform, this book belongs in the resource library of public speakers, teachers, trainers, and clergy, as well as general readers.

See also the downloadable audiobook, Friedman's Fables: Favorites Read by the Author, featuring 15 of the tales narrated in Dr. Friedman's inimitable style.

Author Biography

Edwin H. Friedman (1932/n-/1996), a family therapist and ordained rabbi, was born in New York City and worked for more than 35 years in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Well known in the fields of mental health and pastoral education, Dr. Friedman brought his unique blend of systems thinking, motivational style, and common sense to his highly regarded work as a consultant and leadership trainer to diverse professional and government organizations.

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE Introducing the Author and His Characters THE FAILURE OF SYNTAX The Bridge A Nervous Condition. The Friendly Forest `Round in Circles Projection Raising Cain THE DEMONS OF RESISTANCE The Power of Belief An American Holly Soaring Net Results Metamorphosis The Curse INTERLUDE BONDS AND BINDS Symbiosis Attachment Jean and Jane The Magic Ring The Lesson Cinderella REPTILIAN REGRESSIONS Caught in Her Own Web The Wallflower Panic Burnout Narcissus Tradition EPILOGUE Characters as Coauthors APPENDIX: Life Issues: Questions for Discussion